Mary Trump Issues 'Unnerving' Warning for US—'Darker and Darker Place'

Mary Trump, a longtime critic and estranged niece of President Donald Trump, released a video Thursday warning that the country is descending into an increasingly “darker and darker place” at a pace she called “unnerving.”

Last weekend, federal immigration enforcement operations sparked protests across California. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in Paramount, Los Angeles County, along with several other locations in the city on Friday.

The Trump administration has vowed to carry out the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, and ICE raids have frequently targeted even those with valid documentation. In response to protests against these tactics, Trump announced he would deploy thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines.

During a news conference Thursday in Los Angeles held by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed. Padilla, a Democrat, was attempting to ask questions when security escorted him from the room. Video showed Padilla being pushed to the ground and handcuffed outside the door.

“I’m Senator Alex Padilla, and I have questions for the secretary,” he was heard saying as officers detained him. Noem paused briefly during the disruption but quickly resumed her remarks to reporters and law enforcement officials.

Lawmakers across party lines condemned the incident. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska described it as “shocking,” adding, “I’ve seen that clip. It’s horrible. It is shocking at every level. It’s not the America I know.”

In her video statement, Mary Trump referred to Padilla’s removal as further evidence of democratic backsliding. She argued that since Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, “the rapidity with which America has been sliding down that slippery slope is a little unnerving. The last week alone has made it clear that we are not turning this around anytime soon.”

Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines came without the approval of California Governor Gavin Newsom, a rare assertion of federal power over state authorities. Tensions have continued to escalate between the administration and California’s Democratic leadership, with both sides exchanging fierce criticism.

Commenting on the ICE raids and Padilla’s treatment, Mary Trump said, “Trump and his regime are making it apparent to anybody who is paying attention that whether they are allowed to or not, whether it’s constitutional or not, whether it’s legal or not, they will detain, manhandle, and arrest anybody who has the audacity to question them, try to get in their way, or protest them.”

Afterward, Noem told Fox News that Padilla was not formally arrested, explaining, “Nobody knew who he was when he entered the room creating a scene. He was removed, and yes, they began to put handcuffs on him. When he finally identified himself… that was stopped.”

She added that the episode shows how civil liberties are being tested: “Basically, they are encroaching upon our First Amendment rights—free speech and to protest peacefully. This is what authoritarianism looks like, when the ruling party starts arresting the opposition.”

Meanwhile, “No Kings” protests—organized by the 50501 Movement and other groups—are planning nationwide demonstrations on June 14, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday, Flag Day, and the Army’s 250th anniversary. Organizers are urging people to participate in rallies and to claim tickets to the military parade in Washington, D.C., as a form of protest.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X that Padilla “was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administration’s actions in Southern California. This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power.”

Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, also commented on X, saying, “Regarding the incident in LA this afternoon, the Senator was not wearing a security pin and physically resisted law enforcement when confronted. Our FBI personnel acted completely appropriately while assisting Secret Service and we are grateful for their professionalism and service.”

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey said Padilla “was fulfilling his Congressional oversight duties when he was thrown to the ground and handcuffed. This is no isolated instance; this is a pattern of behavior by the Trump administration. There is simply no justification for this abuse of authority.”

In a statement after his removal, Padilla said, “If this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what they’re doing to farmers, cooks, and day-laborers throughout Los Angeles, California, and across the country.”

The Department of Homeland Security posted on X that Padilla engaged in “disrespectful political theater” and interrupted the press conference without identifying himself or wearing his Senate security pin as he “lunged toward Secretary Noem.”

The incident has further fueled scrutiny of DHS and raised renewed concerns over civil liberties amid Trump’s aggressive immigration policies.

Protest organizers continue calling on people to attend demonstrations across the country or to set up their own events. The president has expressed enthusiasm for the parade planned for this weekend.